Looking at Sasuke, who had just released his transformation jutsu, Kakashi's eyes widened in disbelief. He was shocked.
"Sasuke, how could it be you?" Kakashi murmured, his voice trembling. He couldn't comprehend why he hadn't recognized Sasuke's transformation technique, especially when he had such an in-depth understanding of ninjutsu.
What shocked him even more was that the mysterious person who had asked him to investigate the information turned out to be his own disciple—Uchiha Sasuke.
"Kakashi-sensei, don't be so surprised," Sasuke said with a faint smile.
Kakashi took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He stared at Sasuke, searching for answers in his eyes. But Sasuke's gaze was resolute, as if he had already made a firm decision.
"Sasuke, what happened? Why are you doing this?" Kakashi asked, frowning.
Sasuke sighed softly, then slowly began, "Calm down, Kakashi-sensei. Before I explain, let me tell you a story."
Sasuke then began to recount a secret about the Uchiha clan. As he spoke, Kakashi's expression grew increasingly serious.
"Once upon a time, there was a man who was ordered by his father to infiltrate the upper echelons and gather confidential information. However, he couldn't bear to see the ninja of the village killing each other, fearing it would lead to war. So, he informed the Konoha leadership about his clan's coup. The higher-ups gave him a choice: side with the village or with his clan. In the end, to protect the village and prevent a civil war that other nations could exploit, he made a deal with someone and massacred his entire clan one night. But he left his younger brother alive, hoping his brother would someday seek revenge."
As Sasuke finished his story, Kakashi understood the true nature of the events and the involvement of the Uchiha clan. The protagonist of the story was undoubtedly Uchiha Itachi.
"I understand now. You mean to say that the Uchiha clan's massacre was actually ordered by Konoha's higher-ups?" Kakashi asked, his expression serious, his eyes seeking the truth.
To be honest, Kakashi was not entirely surprised by this revelation. After discovering the hidden conspiracy behind his father's death, his loyalty to Konoha's leadership had already wavered.
"Yes. According to my investigations over the years, Uchiha Itachi likely made a deal with Danzo Shimura. And even more shockingly, I discovered that Danzo has been conducting human experiments on Wood Release and Sharingan users," Sasuke said gravely.
Hearing this, Kakashi couldn't help but frown, surprised by this revelation. He had always thought that the Uchiha clan's demise was solely due to internal conflicts, not realizing it involved such a dark conspiracy within Konoha.
"I thought Orochimaru was the one conducting human experiments. Why is it suddenly Danzo?" Kakashi questioned.
"So, what are you planning to do?" Kakashi asked, sensing the depth of Sasuke's resolve.
"I want…to give Konoha a new leader!" Sasuke sneered, his tone cold as a blade, his eyes filled with determination and ambition. Konoha was founded by the Senju and Uchiha clans. Now, Sasuke intended to restore the village to its rightful owner.
Hearing this, Kakashi was not entirely surprised. He had already suspected that Sasuke harbored such thoughts, though he hadn't expected him to express them so openly.
Kakashi remained silent for a moment, then asked softly, "Really? I thought you wanted to destroy Konoha."
Sasuke smirked, a hint of sarcasm in his eyes as he looked at Kakashi. "How could I? I'm a peace-loving person."
His voice was calm, but it dripped with irony. To Sasuke, "peace" meant unifying the world through force to eliminate war.
Kakashi couldn't help but chuckle, a hint of helplessness in his laughter. He nodded and sighed, "Alright, then what do you need me to do?"
Kakashi didn't fully understand Sasuke's plan, but he knew he couldn't change his student's mind. So, he chose to support him, at least outwardly.
Sasuke's expression turned serious. He took a deep breath and said, "I need you to prepare for the Chunin Exams. During this time, gather all the incriminating information about Konoha's leadership."
His tone was resolute, as if he had already made up his mind.
Kakashi frowned slightly, confused. "Why the rush? Don't you think we have time?"
"There's no time. I plan to settle the score after the Chunin Exams!" Sasuke's words were filled with murderous intent, as if he wanted to skin Konoha's leaders alive.
Kakashi was shocked by the intensity of Sasuke's resolve. He realized that Sasuke was determined and wouldn't waver. With a sigh, Kakashi nodded in agreement. Although he still harbored doubts, he decided to trust Sasuke.
"Alright, I understand. I'll do my best to investigate," Kakashi agreed.
He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was willing to give it a try.
Sasuke smiled slightly, nodding with satisfaction. He trusted Kakashi's abilities and believed he could accomplish the task.
Patting Kakashi on the shoulder, Sasuke encouraged, "Thank you, Kakashi-sensei. I believe you can do this. Don't worry, I won't act without being fully prepared."
After speaking, Sasuke touched his eyes, feeling that they were on the verge of reaching a critical point. Once he crossed this threshold, he would possess the Mangekyō Sharingan. When that happened, who in Konoha could stand against him?
"Besides, we'll have help when the time comes."
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